What makes a links course a links course?

As part of our guide, we’ll now get into the finer details – the historical significance, features, and challenges of each course type – making this guide essential reading for greenkeepers and players alike.

So let’s begin by getting to know links courses, the original and oldest type of golf course.

What is the history of a links golf course?

You could say the history of links golf is the history of golf itself. This is, after all, where golf began.

Links courses originate in Scotland, with the most famous example being the Old Course at St Andrews – the oldest golf course, and perhaps the most widely known in the world. The name links comes from the Old English hlincas, meaning ridges, which was used to describe the rising ground and undulating greens found on a links golf course.

Other iconic courses include Royal County Down in Northern Ireland and Royal Troon in Scotland, the latest course to host the Open Championship.

Links golf courses – the home of the Open Championship

You may have noticed The Open is always hosted on a coastal links golf course. The very first Open Championship was hosted by Prestwick Golf Club, in South Ayrshire, Scotland in 1860 – a links style course known for its rolling sandy hills and dunes.

Since then The Open has always been held at a links course in Scotland, England, or Northern Ireland. Why? The general consensus among professional and amateur golfers alike is that when you play links style golf, you’re playing golf in its purest form.

Therefore, by choosing links courses, major championships like The Open are effectively keeping the spirit of the game alive, connecting golfers and spectators with the way it was first played in the 15th century.

It’s this special rarity that makes true links courses some of the most popular courses in the world, and even more so outside of the UK, where links courses are few and far between.

What are the key characteristics of a links course?

Now we’ve covered the history of links golf courses, let’s get into the details about what actually makes a course a links one.

Unique natural landscape features

Seaside location, stunning views, and changing wind patterns

The first thing that stands out about links courses is the fact they are usually situated along the coast, so expect stunning vistas, open natural terrain with few trees, and beautiful seaside views. However, this also means they are more exposed to the elements, so wind plays a huge part in links style golf.

Winds can be particularly strong not just in stormy weather, and every golfer’s skills are tested by changing wind direction and the resulting drag on balls in flight. Yet it’s these unpredictable weather conditions that make links golf exciting and a real challenge.

Across many courses, golf course architects will have planned hazards in the form of deep pot bunkers, towering sand dunes, and dense gorse bushes. Because of their size and depth, links bunkers can make recovery shots incredibly difficult.

Sandy soil, natural grasses, and fast-paced fairways

The second thing you may notice about links courses is their sandy soil and hardy natural grasses like bentgrass (Agrostis) and fescue (Festuca). These grasses thrive thanks to the well-draining properties of the soil, yielding healthy evergreen turf and creating fast fairways and firm putting greens.

Even a seasoned golfer will have to adjust their game because of this change in play speed, especially if they are used to playing on inland courses; balls need to be kept low to counter the wind and make the most of the firm roll of the fairways. Good drainage also means most links courses will remain open and playable, even in periods following heavy rain.

What are the challenges of links courses for greenkeepers?

Maintaining a links golf course is a unique challenge for course managers and their teams, requiring both traditional greenkeeping methods and cutting-edge technology.

Let’s take a look at some of the main challenges to consider when maintaining a links golf course.

Championship courses and reputation

Historically, sheep kept grasses short on links courses. Today, however, greenkeepers must utilise the latest technology, advanced mowers, and turf management equipment to achieve the best cut possible.

At Reesink, we’re proud to have worked with at least 30 of the 40 host venues of The Open, since our exclusive partnership with Toro began in the mid 1980s. This is with machinery, irrigation and in the case of St Andrews, when it hosted the 150th Open Championship in 2022, with comprehensive cutting training to ensure a perfect after-cut appearance.

Why do the best links golf courses in the world use Toro machinery?

Indeed, for high-ranking golf clubs like St Andrews, anything other than perfection doesn’t cut it. That’s why these clubs choose Toro.

At Royal Portrush Golf Club in 2019, the Toro Reelmaster 3550-D was invaluable thanks to its lightweight design and lighter tread on fairways, which is perfect for the course’s sandy soil composition.

When it was Royal Liverpool’s turn to host The Open in 2023, the sustainability-focused club harnessed the all-electric power of Toro’s eFlex 1021 pedestrian mowers and Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370, both of which are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

More recently, Royal Troon utilised the same eco-friendly mowers when it hosted the championship. But even after a major tournament, there’s no time to rest on one’s laurels. Hence the club’s Toro ProCore 648s – a piece of kit that proved instrumental in the club’s post-event recovery works.

Coastal winds and unpredictable weather

Wind also influences turf growth and soil moisture. As such, greenkeepers must monitor these closely to ensure the course remains in peak condition all year round.

Often situated atop cliffs, links course managers like Mark Heveran, who leads the greenkeeping team at Royal Cromer Golf Club, prefer to use three-wheel drive kit mowers like the Toro eTriFlex 3370: “For our coastal course, with its natural contours and ranging undulations, the 3370 is perfect,” he says. “The mowers stick to the ground, so there are no sliding issues – which gives me peace of mind.”

It’s also important to consider wind when spraying or irrigating turf since stray winds could lead to overspraying or over/under watering and subsequent pooling. Links course managers, therefore, can harness Toro’s Multi Pro WM, which features the latest open spray boom technology to keep application consistent even in windy weather, and Toro’s powerful irrigation sprinklers that offer unrivalled precision thanks to TruJectory technology.

Preserving natural hazards

Bunkers, sandy dunes, and other hazards are integral to links golf but require meticulous maintenance to prevent erosion and overgrowth. Much of this work must be done by hand, highlighting the skill and dedication of the greenkeeping team. Therefore, teams will often utilise robust, multi-use utility vehicles to help lighten the load.

Sustainability and biodiversity

Many links courses are located in protected areas with fragile ecosystems. Greenkeepers must balance course demands with environmental conservation efforts, implementing practices that reduce impacts, promote biodiversity, and protect native species.

Located within the Murlough Nature Reserve, Royal County Down is a prime example. As David Morgan, Secretary, said: “We have a social responsibility to manage our water usage, as well as an obligation to the course and our members to present it as a traditional links course. This requires a certain level of irrigation control and precision to keep it alive but not green.”

The solution is a smart irrigation system like Toro’s Lynx Central Control, which was specified for Royal County Down by Reesink Hydro-Scapes, providing the club with unrivalled irrigation precision. You can learn more about how Royal County Down achieves world-class conditions while conserving resources and promoting sustainability here.

The link between Toro and Reesink could give your links courses an unbeatable edge

Links golf courses seem to represent the heart and soul of the sport, blending history, natural beauty, and a strategic challenge for both players and greenkeepers.

These courses, steeped in tradition, demand both innovative technology and hard work to maintain their iconic status. Fortunately, with Toro’s advanced equipment and Reesink’s unmatched support, clubs can uphold world-class standards and maintain the unique characteristics of their links courses.

To learn more about how you can achieve the Toro advantage at your links course, get in touch with a member of our team today.